. >> reporter: in oakland governor jerry brown didn't want to talk about gay marriage going to the supreme court. >> reporter: do you think it is a good thing? >> i think it is good you are inquiring about it. the arguments have to be made. >> tremendous momentum. >> reporter: in san francisco he had plenty to say. as mayor in 2004 he declared gay marriage legal and conducted same-sex marriage weddings. now he thinks the justice could be the one who decides the issue for california and the nation once and for all. >> he has been the principal player on advancing the rights of folks whose rights were taken away. >> reporter: many agree and believe the supreme court is set up for a 5-4 decision with kennedy casting the deciding vote. one things roberts could also be in play as a swing vote. >> she from a different generation. he worked with talented gay lawyers his entire career. this is his moment to be in history. >> reporter: they are expected to hear arguments in march and issue decisions by june. eric rasmussen, ktvu channel 2 news. >> opponents of same-sex marriage are pleased the supr